Woman takes on marathon four decades after first race
FOUR decades after her first competitive race, a 64- yearold woman will run the Edinburgh Marathon for a hospice in Glasgow.
Marie Waterson was 24 when she ran the Women’s 10k in 1984 to raise funds to establish Glasgow’s first hospice, The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Bellahouston Park.
Later this month, she will join the 26.2 mile marathon to fundraise for the same cause in Glasgow to ensure people continue to receive good care.
Marie said: “I had never really run before taking part in the Women’s 10k in 1984, but I completed it in about 47 minutes and it’s safe to say I got the running bug. It started as a New Year’s resolution, and it’s grown into a lifetime passion.
“The Edinburgh race will be my fourth marathon and I’ve also ran many half marathons and 10ks too, during the past four decades.
“I never realised just how much I would enjoy running. It’s improved both my physical and mental health over the years. I find when you go out a run, you can forget about everything and just focus on yourself.”
Her children share in the joy of running and have completed races together.
As part of her preparation for the race, Marie is taking advice from a personal trainer while focussing on her diet.
She added: “I am so determined to complete this marathon for the hospice.
“It seems only fitting that it’s the 40th anniversary of my very first run and it’s been 40 years of care from the hospice.
“It’s such a wonderful cause, they really are truly incredible in the care they provide for people and their families, and running a marathon is small thing in comparison to the difference they make every day.”
Rhona Baillie, chief executive of The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, said: “We are so grateful to Marie for her longterm commitment to supporting the hospice.
“It is only with the support of people like Marie that we can continue to provide this compassionate vital care and we thank you.”